Two Nigerian businesses; Alternate Energy Ltd (Energy Solutions) and De-Rabacon (Social Enterprise) have been shortlisted among ten businesses from six countries for the 2018 Shell LiveWIRE Top Ten Innovators Awards.
The global competition, which highlights and rewards businesses that demonstrate excellence in innovation will be holding in Malaysia this year.
Alternate Energy Ltd provides solar and wind-powered community solutions, including water treatment and off-grid solar farms and was shortlisted for the Energy Solutions award while De-RabaCon Plastics is being recognized for its eco-friendly solution to plastics recycling.
The Awards recognise businesses showing true innovation in the categories of Energy Solutions, Retail Supply Chain, and Social Enterprises. The winner of each category will receive a top prize of $20,000 and the two runner-ups from each category will each receive a prize of US $10,000.
Also, the ten winners will receive an award package, which includes mentoring support by a Shell expert, opportunity to benefit from market linkages, and invitation to the Top Ten Innovators final event during Global Entrepreneurship Week on 13 and 14 November in Kuching, Malaysia.
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The finalists were chosen from 21 shortlisted entries by internal and external experts specialising in entrepreneurship, energy, waste management, retail and social science. Those entries also went to a public vote which attracted over 11,000 voters from 102 countries.
“It is great to see finalists who represent the geographic diversity, innovative mindset and forward thinking that we value so highly at Shell Retail,” said István Kapitány, Executive VP of Shell Retail. “This opportunity to work closely with innovators to achieve our shared sustainability and social impact goals is incredibly energising for all of us.”
Shell LiveWIRE strengthens local economies across the globe by promoting entrepreneurship and developing entrepreneurs. Every year the programme supports thousands of individuals to access the knowledge, skills, networks and resources to turn their innovative business ideas into successful enterprises.